Columbus' only run would come in the top of the eighth inning, when Greg Sexton's sac fly drove in Shawn O'Malley to cut Hickory's lead in half.

After reliever Matt McSwain retired the side in order in the ninth, including back-to-back strikeouts to end the game, Hickory stood on the preferred end a 2-1 score 24 hours after dropping a game by the same tally.

O'Malley (DH) and LF Stephen Vogt had a pair of hits each for the Catfish. Alex Cobb took the loss...

...dropping to 6-3 after allowing two runs (both earned) on six hits and two walks in six innings, striking out five. It was a rematch of a Welker-Cobb duel May 12 at Columbus, one that saw Cobb earn the win before Welker returned the favor Thursday.

The final game of the series is Friday night, with the Catfish needing a win to salvage a split.